Reaper-induced apoptosis in a vertebrate system.
Journal Article (Journal Article)
The reaper protein of Drosophila melanogaster has been shown to be a central regulator of apoptosis in that organism. However, it has not been shown to function in any vertebrate nor have the cellular components required for its action been defined. In this report we show that reaper can induce rapid apoptosis in vitro using an apoptotic reconstitution system derived from Xenopus eggs. Moreover, we show that a subcellular fraction enriched in mitochondria is required for this process and that reaper, acting in conjunction with cytosolic factors, can trigger mitochondrial cytochrome c release. Bcl-2 antagonizes these effects, but high levels of reaper can overcome the Bcl-2 block. These results demonstrate that reaper can function in a vertebrate context, suggesting that reaper-responsive factors are conserved elements of the apoptotic program.
Full Text
Duke Authors
Cited Authors
- Evans, EK; Kuwana, T; Strum, SL; Smith, JJ; Newmeyer, DD; Kornbluth, S
Published Date
- December 1997
Published In
Volume / Issue
- 16 / 24
Start / End Page
- 7372 - 7381
PubMed ID
- 9405366
Pubmed Central ID
- PMC1170337
Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)
- 1460-2075
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
- 0261-4189
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
- 10.1093/emboj/16.24.7372
Language
- eng